Milwaukee M12 Heated Jackets Get an Upgrade

Milwaukee Tools learned a few things since launching their wildly popular M12 Heated Jackets in 2010 (see our original Heated Jacket post here). First they needed to produce more of them, lots more! Second they needed more color options in black and a functional Class 3 Safety version for the pros. Third they needed to add more sizes, Smalls because ladies are HUGE fans of these heated jackets, and 3X (4X high-vis) because folks like to layer up in the winter. Forth people apparently like to listen to iPods. Fifth if heat is good, more heat is better when it comes to heating in a jacket. Finally people want more runtime than 2-6 hours. The new M12 Heated Jackets are now in-stock and we think they definitely addressed many of these items.

What is New for Season 3 Jackets?

All the Milwaukee heated jackets are new for season 3 and all share in the most upgrades. For starters there are more heating zones in the new jackets, 2 additional lower zones to heat your core and warm the pockets. The fleece lining is upgraded and rear battery pockets are larger and can now fit the M12 XC batteries or M18 batteries (with M18 conversion kit 49-24-2371). The new jackets also get the all important integrated iPod pocket with internal headphone wiring. The new black color (2345 Kit $199 or 2344 Jacket only $149) have been in high demand since originally launched in 2010. The Class 3 Safety Jacket (2347 Kit $199 or 2346 Jacket Only $149) also features a zip off hood and extra layer of material on the back that can be printed or stitched on for companies that want to put their name on the jackets.

Additional Heat and Longer Runtime

As we mentioned in our first article the 6 hour runtime they claim is the number when set on low heat. On high heat we have only gotten about 2 hours runtime with a standard M12 Red Lithium battery, 4 hours on medium. We would expect about double that with the XC M12 battery (couldn’t test on original jacket with smaller pocket) and if we start guessing about the XC M12 4.0Ah batteries(coming soon) we could see pushing 6 hours on high. To give us more options however Milwaukee has added a 12V DC option with a 7’ cord 49-24-2301; that will allow this jacket to be used on motorcycles, snowmobiles, construction equipment or anywhere else with a 12V cigarette outlet.

We are expecting these new and improved jackets to be very popular for the holiday season and hunting season for the RealTree AP Camo (2343 Kit $219 or 2342 Jacket Only $169). If you have any additional questions on the M12 Heated Jackets or any Milwaukee Tools give the pros at Ohio Power Tool a call 800-242-4424.

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Coptool.com is a news and review based website which focuses on professional Power Tool brands. Our goal is to find new tools, accessories, and best possible solutions that will help improve the effectiveness of professionals in their daily jobs.

Authors of Coptool.com, include inside sales employees of Ohio Power Tool, a professional tool and supply distribution company. The authors are sharing personal opinions based on products and field testing, and are not necessarily the views of the Ohio Power Tool company.